Worker’s Compensation Rights in Las Vegas

Worker’s compensation insurance is required by all private employers in Las Vegas that have at least one employee. This insurance is designed to cover the costs of lost wages, medical bills, and permanent disabilities that are the result of an on the job injury. If you have been injured at work, it is important that you understand your rights for worker’s compensation.

Eligibility

If you were injured while performing job-related functions, or while running errands for your job, you will be covered under worker’s compensation. However, if your injury occurred while you were not on duty or clocked in, your injuries will not be covered. Injuries such as broken bones or other injuries that occur due to falls, trips, or other one-time occurrences are also covered. Additionally, injuries or occupational illnesses that occur over time are generally covered under worker’s compensation.

Your Responsibilities

If you suffer an injury while on the job, you are expected to notify your supervisor or employer immediately, and provide written notice within seven days. You will also have to seek medical treatment for the injury as soon as possible. If your claim is related to an occupational illness or disease, you will need to provide notice within the same time frame after it was discovered to exist. You will also receive a form from your employer that must be filled out as well.

If emergency treatment is required, you will be allowed to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice for treatment. However, if medical treatment is needed on a non-emergency basis, you will have to follow the guidelines pertaining to the MCO or PPO that your employer uses. If neither of these options applies, you will be required to select from a list of providers that is issued by the state.

The Initial Appointment

It is important that you make sure to alert the doctor treating you that your injuries occurred while at work. Your physician will be required to fill out and submit an employee claim form to your employer within 90 days of your initial injury. Upon receiving this form, the insurance company will have 30 days to make their decision on whether your claim will be accepted or denied.

Denials

If your Las Vegas worker’s compensation claim is denied, or the insurance company is attempting to dispute parts of your claim, Nevada laws allow you to file an appeal. If you want to file an appeal, you will need to contact the Department of Administration within 70 days. If your claim is denied during that process, you have another 30 days to file with an Appeals Officer. Just make sure you are prepared with all evidence, as this hearing is completed separately from your initial appeal.

If you have been denied for worker’s compensation in Las Vegas after the second appeal, you need to contact a worker’s compensation attorney to discuss your case. You will need to do so as soon as possible to allow the final appeal to be submitted within 30 days.